Bengals Bring Back Joe Flacco, North Carolina Fires Hubert Davis, Cincinnati Reds 2026 Preview

On today's show we react to the Bengals bringing back Joe Flacco + North Carolina fires Hubert Davis, who are the top candidates to replace him? Also, Cincinnati Reds 2026 season preview on Opening Day Eve.

The Stone Shields Show sponsors:

Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call [phone] or visit qckinetix.com

Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars

Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440

Win two tickets to the College Basketball National Championship Game through altafiber: https://share.hsforms.com/13WqTCi54Tny5h_5-OMcyGQ1gegl

Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX

The Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to re-sign Joe Flacco to a one-year deal for the 2026 season is a practical move built on experience, reliability, and roster stability. At 41 years old, Flacco is no longer a long-term solution, but his 2025 performance proved he can still contribute meaningful snaps when needed. After being acquired midseason, he appeared in nine games and started six, stepping in for an injured Joe Burrow and stabilizing the offense during a turbulent stretch.

Flacco’s production was efficient and steady. He threw for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, showing he could still manage games and push the ball downfield when necessary. His veteran presence helped keep the Bengals competitive, even if the team’s overall record during his starts did not reflect his individual play. More importantly, he demonstrated command of the offense and quickly built chemistry with key playmakers.

For Cincinnati, this re-signing is less about upside and more about security. Burrow remains the franchise quarterback, but injuries in recent seasons have exposed the team’s lack of dependable depth. Rather than gamble on an inexperienced backup, the Bengals chose continuity with a proven veteran who already understands the system and locker room.

Financially, the deal is low-risk, reportedly worth around $6 million with incentives. That price aligns with Flacco’s role as a high-end backup who can step in without drastically changing the offense.

Ultimately, bringing Flacco back is a smart insurance policy. The Bengals are built to contend when healthy, and keeping a capable, experienced quarterback behind Burrow ensures they remain competitive if adversity strikes again.

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock).

#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow